Small colon faecalith impaction in a thoroughbred foal

1Department of Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Shiraz, Shiraz, Iran

2Department of Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Shahrekord, Shahrekord, Iran

Abstract

An 8-month-old female thoroughbred foal was presented showing signs of colic. The foal was anxious,exhibiting signs of abdominal pain and distention. The foal had tachycardia (120 beats/min), tachypnea (40breaths/min). Blood samples obtained for haematologic and serum biochemistry analysis that showed a PCVof 30% and a TPP of 70 g/L. The peritoneal fluid analysis revealed a clear fluid with mild elevation of totalprotein. The early treatment involved intravenous administration of a balanced electrolyte solution andanalgesics. The signs of abdominal pain were progressive and nonresponsive to treatments. Therefore,exploratory laparatomy was elected. During the exploratory laparatomy a faecalith impaction of small colonwas detected. The mass was manipulated, macerated and milked toward the rectum and anus. It was finallyremoved via the anus without enterotomy incision. Midline incision and skin incision were sutured routinely.The foal made an uneventful recovery